Jackson Hills
Gold Coast,QLD
Summary
With over 15 years of experience in non-profit, government, and member-based organisations, I have a strong passion for positively impacting my community. I have transitioned from involvement with charities to roles in local and state government, supporting state politicians and local councillors in their community work and media engagement. I am leading policy and strategic engagement efforts at Q Shelter, Queensland's peak body for housing and homelessness services. In this role, I have successfully formed alliances across all levels of government and the entire housing system. My educational background includes a master's in business administration from SCU, accreditations from the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD), and studies in politics and policy at Deakin University. Additionally, I sit on the Common Ground Board and contribute as an executive committee member of National Shelter, an advisory board member at Collective Leisure, and the Property Industry Foundation (Qld). I am also dedicated to mentoring young individuals at the Gold Coast Youth Service.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Policy & Strategic Engagement
Q Shelter
04.2022 - Current
- Leading the organisations policy development, research, media and engagement on housing and homelessness strategy in Queensland. Overseeing and ensuring multi-dimensional engagement with stakeholders including elected officials, funding bodies, specialist homelessness services, community housing providers, other service providers, private industry, media and Q Shelter members.
- Outcomes: Improved QS brand awareness. Instrumental role in driving need for 2022 'QLD Housing Summit'. Broadened government relations activity across ministerial and government agencies. Increased number of policy submissions. More meaningful schedule of engagement events conducted annually. Established regular Housing Diversity community of practice with 13 peak and industry bodies including PCA, UDIA, Master Builders, LGAQ, SEQ Mayors et al.
Acting CEO
Q Shelter
11.2024 - 04.2025
- Oversaw Q Shelter operations under temporary arrangements (25 FTEs, $7m operating budget). Successfully navigated media engagement across key policy issues, continued negotiations on the Community Housing Futures program, deepened relationships with the incoming State Government, and delivered a range of leadership training opportunities for first and second-tier leaders within the QS business.
QLD Board of Advisors
Property Industry Foundation (PIF)
01.2024 - Current
- Providing strategic advice and counsel for PIF around areas of social and affordable housing and homelessness to consider for philanthropic contributions and project / development support.
Executive Committee Member
National Shelter
06.2022 - Current
- National Shelter is a non-government peak organisation that aims to improve housing access, affordability, appropriateness, safety and security for people on low incomes.
Non-Executive Director and Board member
Common Ground Queensland (CGQ) Ltd; and Common Ground Gold Coast Ltd
03.2022 - Current
- Providing strategic advice and counsel as an NED and Board member. Brisbane Common Ground has 146 units in South Brisbane and CGQ is looking to establish a further 150 units, in a head lease supportive housing tower on the Gold Coast. The Common Ground model of supportive housing is a proven and cost-effective solution to end homelessness.
Advisory Board Member
Collective Leisure
02.2022 - Current
- Advisory Board member to assist management with CL's growth and direction. Collective Leisure is Australia's first social enterprise leisure management company. It's mission is to reduce health inequality in the communities it operates.
Councillor Advisor
City of Gold Coast
06.2021 - 04.2022
- Providing strategic advice and administrative support to Councillor for Division 6 which includes the suburbs of Ashmore, Benowa, Bundall, Chin Park and Southport on the Gold Coast
- Outcomes: Improved online engagement and reach, increased number of community events and stronger partnerships across councillor divisions, council departments, and with state government representatives.
Media Advisor
Queensland Parliamentary Service
02.2020 - 06.2021
- Managing electorate office affairs and liaison with constituents, media and other stakeholders on behalf of the Member. Briefing and staffing the MP for events and other media engagements. Identifying and delivering targeted community engagement activity across the electorate, as well as monitoring media and proactively identifying opportunities across TV, radio, print, online and social media platforms.
- Outcomes: Increased online engagement and established new community engagement strategy.
Independent Consultant
Government & Community Engagement Services
05.2019 - 05.2020
- Providing strategic advice to sport, government and community organisations on a range of key decisions, including sport customers, membership growth, facilities development, participation and performance pathway programs. We do this by using deep industry knowledge and evidence-based data to deliver insights that drive results.
- We also advised on community engagement ideas, activities and events for small scale NFPs right through to larger sporting organisations, Local, State and Federal Government agencies
Assistant Director, Sports Workforce Advisory
Australian Sports Commission
11.2018 - 05.2019
- Involved in large-scale project leading the development of a National Workforce Development Strategy for the Sport & Physical activity sector in Australia. Phase 1 of this project included a scan of existing workforce development research, literature and best practice both in Australia and abroad. Phase 2 included consultation with key stakeholders in the sector, including NSOs, State Departments of Sport & Rec, SSOs, fitness industry, education and volunteering, as well as other industry partners. Phase 3 includes the co-designing of strategies and solutions with the ultimate goal of building an efficient and effective sports workforce for the future.
- Outcomes: Delivery of large-scale literature review and Sector engagement strategy.
General Manager, Tasmanian Football Council
Australian Football League (AFL)
06.2016 - 07.2018
- Accountability for the management and implementation of AFL game development and community football programs in Tasmania, with a specific focus on growing participation and league support and development. Managing 85 FTEs across three offices, overseeing an operating budget of circa $15mil, providing support to the three regions of Tasmania and its junior / youth / senior football competitions. Also, working closely with Hawthorn and North Melbourne football clubs, who play games in Tasmania, to inspire participation in the state. Driving media and PR interest across a range of share products and programs.
- Outcomes: Establishment of new 50m Female Friendly Facilities program, first ever statewide facilities audit, implementation of new competitive balance framework, new membership and affiliation reforms, and review of all community football competitions for sustainability.
Government & Stakeholder Relations Manager
Tennis Australia
04.2014 - 06.2016
- Overall responsibility for the Tennis NSW government relations program in NSW, engaging with all three levels of government (local/state/federal) as well as government departments, agencies and NGOs; including planning for and seeking funding for existing and new projects; and delivering on Tennis NSW strategic facility and community objectives.
- Outcomes: Developed first State Master Plan for Facilities, Review of Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre asset management plan and future operational model, Roof on Ken Rosewall Arena project, Review of Tennis Centre Leasing model and input into Local Govt Act review.
Head of Tennis Development
Tennis New South Wales
08.2008 - 04.2014
- Responsible for the Tennis Development Department at Tennis NSW, encompassing the Community Tennis, Facilities, Membership, Tournaments & Competitions and Player Support business units. Day to day responsibility for three of the company's six strategic directions, including the largest department with 21 FTEs, spread across seven offices, with an annual operating budget of circa $2.5mil.
- Outcomes: Delivery of new governance and membership reforms including transition from Association to Company Limited by Guarantee; and full review of TNSW membership model, registration fees and voting rights.
Acting CEO
Tennis New South Wales
07.2013 - 10.2013
- Under interim operational circumstances, responsible for advancing the interests of tennis throughout NSW and overseeing the day-to-day management of the Tennis NSW business. Duties including managing the TNSW budget ($5mil t/o.), key contracts, sponsor and government relationships, staff, and overseeing financial and physical assets to the value of $5mil and SOPTIC ($35 mil).
- Outcomes: Managed business to budget with no unforeseen events during the transition period. Established Investment Committee, investment mandate and tender process for investment manager of members' funds.
Education
Graduate Certificate - Politics & Policy
Deakin University
01.2020
Governance Foundations for NFP Directors - undefined
Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Southern Cross University
01.2011
Skills
- Leadership and accountability
- Strategic planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Crisis and issues management
- Advocacy
- Intergovernmental affairs
- PR and media management
- Membership management
- Non-profit management
- Social Impact
Timeline
Acting CEO
Q Shelter
11.2024 - 04.2025
QLD Board of Advisors
Property Industry Foundation (PIF)
01.2024 - Current
Executive Committee Member
National Shelter
06.2022 - Current
Head of Policy & Strategic Engagement
Q Shelter
04.2022 - Current
Non-Executive Director and Board member
Common Ground Queensland (CGQ) Ltd; and Common Ground Gold Coast Ltd
03.2022 - Current
Advisory Board Member
Collective Leisure
02.2022 - Current
Councillor Advisor
City of Gold Coast
06.2021 - 04.2022
Media Advisor
Queensland Parliamentary Service
02.2020 - 06.2021
Independent Consultant
Government & Community Engagement Services
05.2019 - 05.2020
Assistant Director, Sports Workforce Advisory
Australian Sports Commission
11.2018 - 05.2019
General Manager, Tasmanian Football Council
Australian Football League (AFL)
06.2016 - 07.2018
Government & Stakeholder Relations Manager
Tennis Australia
04.2014 - 06.2016
Acting CEO
Tennis New South Wales
07.2013 - 10.2013
Head of Tennis Development
Tennis New South Wales
08.2008 - 04.2014
Governance Foundations for NFP Directors - undefined
Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)
Master of Business Administration - undefined
Southern Cross University
Graduate Certificate - Politics & Policy
Deakin University
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